A Montgomery County deputy superintendent told parents that its plan to turn poor-performing schools into magnet schools was drafted specifically to draw affluent, white students.
"The purpose of the grant is to attract white students, or higher socioeconomic students, into schools with high minority enrollment," Eric Lang, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said at a meeting of the public school system's Special Education Advisory Committee.
Read more at the Washington Examiner.
In the mid 1970's, the magnet programs in the downcounty schools such as Piney Branch ES were designed to attract white students to result in desegrated schools. The students in the magnet spent 2 hrs/day in the magnet program and the rest of the day in general classes with the regular school population. On paper, it looked good, but from a parent and teacher view point, it didn't work. At least with AYP, they are holding schools accountable for achievement by 8 sub groups, so we can see if the magnets are helping students.
ReplyDeleteMCPS Parent and Teacher